Tokyo is a diverse city with hidden pockets of areas that have preserved their history instead of becoming a modern destination. Such regions are named shitamachi, aka low cities. One such example is Asakusa. This district is a beautiful way to explore the history of Japan without traveling to a museum. Here, you’ll see the culture captured in time by the temples, festivals, and attractions found here. Here’s what you can expect and what you’ll want to explore on a day trip to Asakusa.
Food
You’ll find quite a few options in terms of food, especially street food choices. You can find vendors in their stalls selling everything from sweet to savory. Below are some popular (and tasty) food options to try during a visit to Asakusa. While these dishes are not exclusive to the area, they are often found in Tokyo and around Japan.
Ningyo-yaki
This delicious treat is made in the shape of a doll. Hence the name, ningyo, meaning doll. It’s a sweet treat with a delightful anko paste in the middle. It’s an easy-to-eat snack that you can grab and take with you.
Monja-yaki
Savory pancakes can be found all over Japan with varying flavors and inclusions. Monja-yaki is a delicious variety of savory pancake that includes dashi broth for a delicious umami flavor. The batter is made from this broth and flour for a simple yet satisfying street food treat.
Unagi-don
This delightful rice bowl includes fried eel with eel sauce on top. It has a sweet, salty taste that can’t be beaten. You can find this dish at Unagi Irokawa, a Michelin star restaurant that seats 12 people. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly option, many restaurants in Asakusa carry this tasty dish.
Attractions
There are a good number of attractions that can be found in Asakusa. With plenty of options available, it’s easy to see why this is a popular destination for many.
Senso Ji Temple
According to legend, this famous Buddhist temple is noted as the oldest in Tokyo as it was built around 628 AD. This legend describes two brothers fishing who kept catching a Buddha statue. They put it in a glass case and kept it in a grass hut upon realizing what it was. Eventually, this grass hut was turned into the Senso Ji temple that can be viewed today.
The Kaminarimon Gate is one of the most famous parts of the Senso Ji temple. It is a large, bright red gate that guards the entrance. Many images depict the gate with a large chochin lantern right inside it. This beautiful temple offers free entry and is open 24/7.
Asakusa Tourist Information Center
The Asakusa Tourist Information Center is not only an excellent place to find additional attractions and activities, but it also offers excellent views of the Senshoji Temple from the eighth floor. This building sits directly across from the temple and offers unique architecture.
Accommodations
Since there are so many activities and sites in Asakusa, you may want to stay an extra day or two to explore during your trip to Asakusa. If that’s the case, there are some excellent hotels right in town where you can spend the night. Here are some top picks.
Hotel Gracery Asakusa
This hotel is conveniently located nearby public transportation and an array of shops in Asakusa. The hotel also provides delicious teas and pajamas for a comfortable stay.
Sadachiyo
You can feel like you’re taking a trip back in time when you stay at Sadachiyo. This accommodation is unique in that it’s a traditional ryokan guesthouse. Visitors who stay here can enjoy a traditional shared dining room and communal baths. You’ll even be offered a casual kimono as sleepwear.
Asakusa View Hotel
Those looking for a more luxurious stay can reserve a room in the Asakusa View Hotel. This hotel is the largest and offers incredible views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. This hotel offers multiple dining options onsite, each with a different style of cuisine.
Must-Sees in Asakusa
Asakusa has a few must-sees that everyone should experience at least once, including the underground shopping center and Tokyo’s most famous festival.
Asakusa’s Underground Shopping Center
This shopping street features about 20 restaurants and shops near the Asakusa Tokyo Station. This shopping center is the last of its kind. You’ll find everything from a barber to a Qigong shop here when entering.
Sanja Matsuri Festival
Those planning a visit in May should attempt to arrive during the third week to catch the Sanja Matsuri Festival. This festival offers a view into the culture of the area. The festival commemorates the two brothers who found the Buddha statue while fishing and created the Senso Ji Temple. If you catch this festival, you’ll see many people carrying portable shrines along with bearers who carry chanting “riders.”
Family-Friendly Activities in a tour to Asakusa, Japan
If you’re traveling with your family, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Here are a few to choose from.
Sumida Park
This park offers beautiful views of the Sumida River and runs along both sides. Sumida Park is open every day and does not have an entrance fee. If you arrive during Cherry Blossom season, you’ll be able to see many while in the park. Sumida Park offers a beautiful firework display on the last Saturday in July.
Hanayashiki Amusement Park
This amusement park is known as the oldest in Japan. Initially, this park was a flower park. Though the Hanayashiki Amusement Park now holds many rides and activities that are fun for the whole family. The park sits near the Senshoji Temple, so it’s an excellent attraction to visit before or after. Stores, haunted houses, rides, and a 3D theater are available to explore and enjoy. There is an entrance fee of 1000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. As a note, rides have an additional fee that varies per ride.
It will be challenging to leave with so much to explore in Asakusa in your trip to Asakusa! You’ll want to add this district to your visit list next time you’re in Tokyo. Additional activities include a private tour at the Imperial Palace, visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market, Odaiba seaside park, and stopping at souvenir shops. As there are many family-friendly activities and sites, you can bring the whole family for fun, educational day trips (there’s too much to see in one go!).
